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“We, the People of the Canoe” deliver united front on climate change threats

During the summit that took place in Tahiti last week of the Polynesian Leaders Group (PLG), the Taputapuatea Declaration about the main concerns of the Pacific — climate change and its effects — was released. Notably, American Samoa was not among those island-countries that signed the Declaration, as it did not attend.

 

According to Samoa’s Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, American Samoa’s non-attendance is “careless.”  Samoa Observer reported that when speaking to the media, Tuilaepa said American Samoa has not attended several of the summits.

 

“They haven’t attended two or three of the meetings,” said Tuilaepa. “It’s careless of them to miss out because these meetings are important to earn the respect (of other nations).” Tuilaepa explained that the P.L.G’s key agenda was to prepare a joint statement to be presented at C.O.P.21 in Paris later this year.

 

The main concerns of the Pacific are climate change and its effects. According to Tuilaepa having all the leaders of the Polynesian at the summit means the voices of the islands can be unified and heard by the world.

 

Pointing at American Samoa, Tuilaepa said the leaders should be present and seen at the summits.“ You cannot be heard and be courageous if you stay indoors,” said Tuilaepa.

 

“This is especially so if America sees that American Samoa is taking the lead but if you don’t show up — no one respects you.”

 

Other countries that are in PLG are Tonga, Tuvalu, Niue, Cook Island, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Niue, Cook Island, American Samoa, Tokelau and Tahiti, says the Samoa Observer. At the summit, the attending PLG members signed the Taputapuatea Declaration regarding Climate Change threats that affects Pacific Islands.

 

Samoa News obtained a copy of the declaration, which states that the Pacific islands and peoples are at the frontline of devastation from climate change, and are “victims of climate change.”

 

The declaration states: “We must be heard. We call for justice and our right of survival. We urge the international community not only to know but also to feel our suffering, stand with us on this issue and support us in the implementation of practical solutions to ensure our survival. We, the Polynesian Leaders Group, reaffirm our intimate historic and cultural relationship with our ocean and nature.”

 

It goes on to point out that “climate change and its adverse impacts are poisoning our sea, making our lands infertile and threatening the foundation of our identity as Polynesian peoples. Our children’s future is in doubt if the cause of climate change is not addressed and if we are unable to adapt to its impacts.”

 

“We are extremely vulnerable,” it states. “We state our fear that climate change could result in the forced displacement of our populations and the loss of territories with their unique natural and cultural heritage.”

 

It concludes, “We, the People of the Canoe, have managed to withstand the test of time and deal with the many challenges to adapt ourselves, build resilience and continue to exist. We are proud of being Polynesian and of our maritime heritage.”

 

Samoa’s PM Tuilaepa, Tonga’s Minister Akilisi Pohiva, Tuvalu’s Minister Enele Sosene Sopoaga, President of French Polynesia Edouard Fritch, Premier of Niue and PLG Chair Toke Talagi and Ulu-o-Tokelau Siopili Perez signed the Taputapuatea Declaration.